This article was published on October 1, 2012

YouTube to live stream Presidential debates for the first time this month


YouTube to live stream Presidential debates for the first time this month

President Barack Obama and Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney will be going head-to-head over the next month as they take part in four highly-anticipated televised debates.

However, YouTube has announced today that for the first time these clashes, which will be pivotal for each candidate’s Presidential campaign, will be broadcast live and unaltered through the YouTube Elections Hub.

The video giant also promises to make the full debates, including highlight clips, available to watch at any time as soon as they are finished.

It’s a significant move if only because traditionally, these topical clashes are only broadcast in America through recognised television channels. In the past anyone who has an interest in US politics – but happens to live outside of the country – has been forced to do a bit of digging in order to find a decent live stream, or make do with the many live blogs running simultaneously.

YouTube has partnered with ABC News, who will also be live streaming the four debates on its ABC News YouTube channel, to make all of this happen for the very first time.

However, in addition to the live stream there will also be additional commentary and analysis being produced by the eight YouTube Election Hub partners; Al Jazeera English, BuzzFeed, Larry King, New York Times, Phil DeFranco, Univision, the Wall Street Journal and ABC News.

We’ll let you make up your own mind about which of them are actually worth following.

If you’re unsure or haven’t yet put them in the diary, the four debates will be held at the following times;

  • October 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET
  • October 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET
  • October 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET
  • October 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET

Image Credit: ProgressOhio

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